World Communion Sunday - October 4 |
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Looking into the Lectionary
by Rev. Dr. Jill J Duffield
Jesus leans into controversy this week.
He is in Jerusalem. The tense exchanges with the religious authorities persist. One might think Jesus should stop talking and refrain from engaging with a hostile group who holds a lot of power. Instead he does the equivalent of saying, “And another thing…”
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Flu season during a pandemic calls for urgency and ingenuity, which can mean getting vaccinated in your car or even in a hockey arena.
St. Louis area health providers are trying to make it easy and safe to get a flu shot this year by offering free drive-thru events throughout the community and even a walk-in location on Oct. 17 at downtown’s massive Enterprise Center where the St. Louis Blues play.
If you do not live in the St. Louis Area, please consult with your local Health Department for guidance on where you can get your Flu Shot. If you don't know how to contact your local health department, the following links will direct you to the appropriate office.
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PCUSA VOTE
Daily Virtual Events will be offered the month of October!
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The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is committed to taking a continued stand for equity and equality for all God’s people. Seeking to be a faithful witness to the need to continue to stand and bear witness in issues of justice, the Presbyterian Voting Campaign has been created to engage, educate, and motivate people to exercise their right to vote, especially those who are a part of marginalized communities. |
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VOTERS REGISTRATION DATES COMING SOON
MISSOURI - October 7 (in person, by mail, or online)
ILLINOIS - Online: Oct. 18/By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 6/In person: Nov. 3
You must be registered to vote. You can check to see if you are registered to vote, Missouri, here, and in Illinois, here. If not you may register to vote online in Missouri here and in Illinois, here.
Be a prepared and knowledgeable voter - See your voting options here
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A Note from Leigh & Janice....
Did you know we are notaries? We want to help you vote safely! Call or email us and set up an appointment to meet with one of us.
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Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
Offers Notary Services
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church will offer free mail-in ballot notarization services on four upcoming Sundays, Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25 from noon to 3 p.m. The notary services will be held on the parking lot on the east side of the church at 45 West Lockwood in Webster Groves. Directions can be found here.
All Missourians will be able to vote by mail for the Nov. 3 elections. Except for those age 65 and older or those with specific health-related exemptions, however, most voters will need to have their ballot notarized before mailing it in.
Participants will need to sign their ballot envelope in front of the notary, present an ID and sign the notary’s log. All voters and participants will be required to wear a mask. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you. Social distancing will be maintained. The activity will take place outdoors, rain or shine.
For more information, call: Janice Seele at 714-642-3376.
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Presbytery Upcoming Virtual Meetings
Tues., Oct. 6
Thurs., Oct. 8
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Light for the Darkness
Welcomes You to a Fireside Chat
Wed., Oct. 7 at 7pm
You are invited to a safe place to be with others who understand mental health struggles. It is ok if you are feeling super anxious or super depressed. We understand. Come sit around the warmth of the fire and let's discuss where God might be in the midst of all of this.
We'll have a fire and s'mores and social distance in my back yard garden.
Near the Botanical Garden. Message me or Text me for exact location (Thirza 404.313.4549)
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2020 Pivot Grant for
New Worshiping Communities
2020 has challenged all of us, and we know those challenges pose unique threats to our youngest faith communities who are particularly vulnerable to un-budgeted costs and perhaps a decline in financial support.
New Worshiping Communities recognized by their presbytery are invited to apply for a one-time Pivot Grant of $1000 to assist with shifting programs, new training, or unanticipated expenses due to the pandemic or racial injustices in your community. The application is simple and awards will be made on a first come, first served basis - so communities must act quickly! Applications can be submitted by clicking here.
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Dreaming & Discerning Virtual Gathering
Tuesday, October 20th at 7:00 pm.
Although many of our buildings may be closed for now, our churches are creatively open, continuing and even expanding the reach of their mission and ministry, with God’s Spirit inspiring many of us to see visions and dream dreams in ways we might not have imagined a few short months ago.
Please RSVP your interest to Leigh Porter at [email protected]. A Zoom link will be sent to you before the meeting in October.
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Social Witness Cares for Your Community
The Social Witness Committee is concerned about the spread of COVID19 and wants to supply FREE yard signs to any church that wants one.
These signs would list the steps individuals need to take to help them keep safe from the virus and help slow down the spread in their community. Please consider accepting this FREE sign for your church property.
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COVID-19 Peru Relief Fundraising Campaign
Presbyterian Church (USA) Mission Co-workers Jed Koball, Chenoa Stock, and their families continue to live and work in Lima under difficult conditions. They are maintaining contact with our Joining Hands Partners and Presbyterian churches throughout Peru. They advise that the partnership visits with our friends in Peru will not be possible next year, and maybe not until 2023.
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Paula Cooper
I pray that all is well with you and yours during these days of navigating uncharted waters with God’s help! I greet you in the name of our Risen Savior, Jesus, the Christ, from Lusaka, Zambia.
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Educational Opportunities |
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FREE WORKSHOP
Brain Science & Bias:
Understanding How Your Brain
Works to Prevent Racism
Thur., Oct. 15 | 12 p.m. CT
Today’s organizations are working hard to raise employees’ awareness of unconscious bias. They think that by addressing bias, they can cut down on discrimination and boost inclusion all in one. Science tells us this conventional wisdom is wrong.
Learn to practice optimal inclusion in this free session. Register by clicking here.
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Union Seminary Online
Continuing Education Workshops
Examples of what you could participate in:
- Preparing Your Leadership and Congregation for A Post-Covid Reality
- The New Testament & Current Social Concerns (2-Part Series)
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Rethinking Evangelism
October 12-14
The department of Theology, Formation, and Evangelism is inviting you and your churches to the Rethinking Evangelism Conference, October 12–14, 2020. This virtual event will feature Ralph Watkins (Columbia Theological Seminary), Mark Ramsey (Macedonia Ministries), and others for an event you won’t want to miss. Come as a church group or as an individual to explore what it means to practice evangelism in these transformative times.
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Art of Transitional Leadership
Virtual Training
Our partner, the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, is offering the Art of Transitional Leadership virtual training the week of October 12-15, 2020. Please visit their website to learn more and register. Click here for details
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THE CHALLENGE OF ANTIRACISM:
Are We Willing To Stand Where God Stands?
Webniar Begins October 4
This 4-week webinar series seeks to offer participants language and frameworks they can use to talk about systemic racism and white supremacy in effective and nuanced ways. Participants will be engaged in an exploration of what antiracism is and how it will challenge the church to reckon with her historical and current investment in the ideology of white supremacy and systemic racism.
Each 90-minute webinar will consist of 60 minutes of presentation and teaching followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. Learn more by clicking here.
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Self-Care and Mental Health |
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Please reach out…
Light for the Darkness offers a safe place to reach out whether as a starting point, as a place to receive information on mental health and support resources that are available, or as a place to connect to others feeling similarly. It is our hope that you will find our group a helpful way for you to explore where God is in the midst of these challenging times with others who are feeling sim.
We meet Mondays at 7pm via Zoom.
Contact me about this group or to speak one-on-one, Thirza Sayers, 404.313.4549, [email protected]
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Let's Talk about Self-Care
These days, it is more and more clear there are those who know the practices of self-care and those who don't. In this short video, Synod Executive Landon Whitsitt offers a brief introduction to caring for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Click here
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FREE 24 Hour Counseling
Pastors and other Board of Pension members, Cigna is offering a separate 24-hour toll-free help line, to support resiliency during this time of high stress and anxiety, and can be reached by calling 866-912-1687 to connect with qualified clinicians, including licensed social workers, professional counselors, and psychologists, who can provide support and guidance.
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Matthew 25 - In Difficult Times |
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We want to hear your stories!
- How is your congregation remaining or becoming even more vibrant?
- How are you reaching out to your neighbors in creative ways?
- How have you participated in the Presbyterians Care Movement?
Send us your comments to [email protected] or call 314-772-2395. We hope to hear from you soon!
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Our web page resource.
What will you find there?
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